Armor Wars Can Still Work (For One Very Good Reason)

Armor Wars Can Still Work (For One Very Good Reason)

Key Takeaways

  • Armor Wars has been stuck in development and might be reevaluated along with Blade.
  • The project lacks a director and details, but still deserves to happen with potential storylines involving Stark’s technology.
  • Armor Wars could explore Stark tech in the wrong hands, possibly involving Downey Jr.’s return as a variant character.

As a seasoned gamer and Marvel fanatic who’s been through the highs and lows of this cinematic universe since its inception, I can’t help but feel a pang of nostalgia when I hear about the Armor Wars project. It’s like a long-lost friend we’ve all been eagerly waiting to catch up with, only for it to get stuck in development limbo.


Recently, Marvel Studios has encountered some challenges in their release schedule, with disruptions arising from various sources such as COVID-19 and labor strikes last year. Despite these obstacles, many projects have eventually moved forward into production. However, there are two projects that seem to be caught up in the development process: Blade and Armor Wars. The Blade project has seen some progress with writers and directors involved, but Armor Wars has shown minimal activity since its transformation from a television series to a film.

Recently, there have been discussions about the possibility of Marvel Studios needing to reconsider their plans for the Armor Wars project. Yet, this project has potential and should be preserved, given that Robert Downey Jr. is set to rejoin the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Let’s explore ways Marvel Studios could make Armor Wars a success, despite its lengthy development period and rumors suggesting it might not materialize.

Armor Wars’ Strange Development Journey

Armor Wars Can Still Work (For One Very Good Reason)

Initially, both Armor Wars and Blade were scheduled around the same period, but only one is approaching production. When Armor Wars was initially unveiled, Marvel Studios appointed Yassir Lester to oversee it as a Disney+ series. However, the show never materialized, and in 2022, it was disclosed that Marvel planned to rework the project into a movie. As of now, Lester is reportedly still involved with the film’s scriptwriting, though his role may have changed. Since September 2022, no new information has been shared, and Don Cheadle, the potential lead actor, has remained vague about the project. Most intriguingly, there are whispers that Marvel Studios might reassess both Armor Wars and Blade to decide whether to proceed with the films due to ongoing development challenges. So far, Marvel has refrained from commenting on these rumors, but it appears that the prospects for a project once slated for Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe are currently uncertain.

It’s worth mentioning that since the transition from a Disney+ series to a movie, Armor Wars hasn’t had a director yet, and aside from Don Cheadle, no other cast members have been revealed for the project. On the other hand, Blade has seen two directors so far, and several cast members have been announced, though it remains unclear if any of them are still involved, except Mahershala Ali. Previously, Armor Wars was part of Marvel Studios’ lineup, while Blade was primarily initiated due to Mahershala Ali approaching the studio to produce the film. This leaves Armor Wars in a precarious state, but given its potential, it’s more important than ever for it to be brought to life.

Why Armor Wars Should Still be Made

Armor Wars is one of the projects Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige announced during Disney’s Investor Day in December 2020. It was meant to serve as the first headlining project for Cheadle’s James Rhodes, aka War Machine. Sadly, Armor Wars was announced at a time when Hollywood was still recovering from the impact of COVID-19, and right before the strikes would ultimately force Hollywood to shut down for a second time not too long after. It also came at a time when the Marvel Cinematic Universe found itself struggling to maintain its box office status, with most of its recent releases struggling to surpass $400 million worldwide. Disney’s Bob Iger noted that the studio would be taking time to focus on quality over quantity going forward, a statement echoed by Feige, and it seems Armor Wars might’ve fallen victim to this decision. However, Armor Wars still very much deserves to happen, especially with Downey Jr. back in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Secret Wars,” with the technology then falling into the hands of this new character. This would offer an intriguing narrative for Rhodes as he grapples with a version of his deceased friend in “The Avengers: Endgame.” If rumors about Marvel Studios considering whether to proceed with “Armor Wars” are accurate, we should receive updates on the film shortly. In the meantime, fans can only hope that the studio recognizes the opportunity to spin an engaging tale within “Armor Wars.

Read More

2024-09-14 17:03